ALL ABOUT TRACTORS BY PAUL WALLEM Tractors and harvesting equipment do not operate on paved roads. They are constantly in tough conditions among dirt, dust, and mud. It’s a high-stress environment. On top of that, today’s equipment is tremendously more complex than in the past. When repairs are needed, tractor technicians need much more than a toolbox. A laptop computer is one of the first tools needed to find the problem and often fix that problem. Tablets, which have become digital wrenches, are a must in determining problems with hydraulic and electrical problems. Farm equipment dealers are on the hunt for tractor technicians. Everyone agrees that even though the heart of a machine is nuts and bolts, new equipment has a much larger technological content. Maintaining a high level of customer service is an ever-bigger challenge for dealers. Manufacturers also need them on the production line and for marketing and dealer training. Because precision guidance control components make planting and harvesting more productive, there is a growing demand among farmers for this technology. Competition is fierce for individuals with the training and ability to service these buyers. Some large dealership groups have an individual assigned to locate qualified technicians or individuals trained for the job. Those at the dealership level who have the ability and the desire to apply a wrench and screwdriver, as well as a laptop, are in high demand. Above-average wages go to those who can diagnose a machine’s breakdown via computer and then go to the field to fix it if necessary. Tractor and equipment manufacturers are targeting community colleges that offer ag tech courses, with the intent to hire students after graduation or even before. The three majors (Deere, CNH, and AGCO) all reach out via their websites for those with specific job skills. CNH currently lists over 50 jobs available, and the salary range is indicated. Deere offers potential scholarships to students majoring in or about to enter 24 named colleges with ag tech programs. AGCO offers specific opportunities at each of its five brands. These three companies and others doing similar manufacturing need the right employees for the future. FFA encourages chapters to educate members about ag tech careers and direct them to look at colleges offering appropriate courses. There are currently over 945,000 high school students involved in FFA chapters. Some take on tractor restoration projects, and many choose to attend college courses in ag-tech programs because of participation in these tractor restoration projects. There are 7 million 4-H members nationally. Often, there are 4-H clubs where no FFA programs exist. This organization strives to help people develop life skills like confidence, independence, and resilience through experience. 4-H serves its members well regarding discussions about future career opportunities. Members are encouraged to set goals early for their future. When I was a 4-H member a million years ago, all members were farm kids. Many of today’s members are from non-farm homes. They learn about the many careers in ag-tech. The machinery world of precision farming and digital ag is only part of the job opportunities in agriculture. Companies like ADM and similar operations offer careers in grain storage, processing, nutrition, transportation, etc. Federal officials report that jobs as farm equipment mechanics and service technicians are projected to grow as much or more than any other occupation. If you have a pre-teen or teenager in your home, you might suggest they read this column. Many are unaware of the many exciting and highly compensated careers available in agriculture. Paul Wallem was raised on an Illinois dairy farm. He was a 4-H and FFA member. He spent 13 years with IH in domestic and foreign assignments. He resigned to own and operate two IH dealerships. He is the author of THE BREAKUP of IH & SUCCESSES and INDUSTRY FIRSTS of IH. See all his books on www.PaulWallem.com. Your comments are welcome at pwallem@aol.com |
